Chary Marquez Batista1, Eric Domingos Mariano1, Fernando Onuchic1, Camila Squarzoni Dale2, Gustavo Bispo Dos Santos3, Alexandre Fogaça Cristante3, Jose Pinhata Otoch4, Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira1, Matthias Morgalla5, Guilherme Lepski5,6. 1. a Department of Neurology, School of Medicine , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil. 2. b Institute of Biomedical Science , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil. 3. c Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, School of Medicine , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil. 4. d Department of Surgery, School of Medicine , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil. 5. e Department of Neurosurgery , Eberhard-Karls University , Tuebingen , Germany. 6. f Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , University de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.
Abstract
Purpose/aim: Neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) has a tremendous impact on patient's quality of life, and frequently is the most limiting aspect of the disease. In view of the severity of this condition and the absence of effective treatments, the establishment of a reliable animal model that reproduces neuropathic pain after injury is crucial for a better understanding of the pathophysiology and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to standardize the traumatic SCI model in relation to neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were submitted to SCI of mild intensity (pendulum height 12.5 mm) or moderate intensity (pendulum height 25 mm) using the New York University Impactor equipment. Behavioural assessment was performed during 8 weeks. Thereafter, spinal cords were processed for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The animals of the moderate injury group in comparison with mild injury had a greater motor function deficit, worse mechanical allodynia, and latter bladder recovery; moreover, histological analysis revealed more extensive lesions with lower neuronal population. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that moderate SCI causes a progressive and long-lasting painful condition (at least 8 weeks), in addition to motor impairment, and thus represents a reliable animal model for the study of chronic neuropathic pain after SCI.
Purpose/aim: Neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) has a tremendous impact on patient's quality of life, and frequently is the most limiting aspect of the disease. In view of the severity of this condition and the absence of effective treatments, the establishment of a reliable animal model that reproduces neuropathic pain after injury is crucial for a better understanding of the pathophysiology and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to standardize the traumatic SCI model in relation to neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Wistar rats were submitted to SCI of mild intensity (pendulum height 12.5 mm) or moderate intensity (pendulum height 25 mm) using the New York University Impactor equipment. Behavioural assessment was performed during 8 weeks. Thereafter, spinal cords were processed for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The animals of the moderate injury group in comparison with mild injury had a greater motor function deficit, worse mechanical allodynia, and latter bladder recovery; moreover, histological analysis revealed more extensive lesions with lower neuronal population. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that moderate SCI causes a progressive and long-lasting painful condition (at least 8 weeks), in addition to motor impairment, and thus represents a reliable animal model for the study of chronic neuropathic pain after SCI.
Authors: Chary M Batista; Eric D Mariano; Camila S Dale; Alexandre F Cristante; Luiz R Britto; Jose P Otoch; Manoel J Teixeira; Matthias Morgalla; Guilherme Lepski Journal: Neural Regen Res Date: 2019-11 Impact factor: 5.135